“What do you charge?” is what I get asked most often. “$325” is the most frequent answer. That’s my fee to conduct a review of your current creative—delivered in a live video conference filled with insights and ideas you can put to work immediately. Often it’s all the catalyst you’ll need. But if it leads you to hire me for a project, the fee is credited.
Here are my fees for writing, designing, and creating media-ready materials for some recent subscription promotions:
— #10 voucher format direct mail package: $5,000
— 6x9 “beat-the-control” direct mail package: $10,000
— Bespoke new magazine launch package: $15,000
— On-issue wraps; insert cards; house ads: $1,000-$4,000
— Email campaigns and landing pages: $3,000-$5,000
— Online guides; native promotions: $7,500
— Banners; search marketing; text links: $500-$1,000
— Audio; video; multi-media productions: $25,000
Here’s the least expensive way to work with me:
Put me on a consulting retainer for a flat $100/month. Discover how I think. What I contribute. How well we mesh. If it’s not a good fit for you and your group, it’s free—I’ll refund your money. Click to learn more and sign up.
Current and former clients enjoy discounts:
If I’m already familiar with your marketing mission and our homework is basically complete, my rates are significantly lower. Routinely 30% to 40% less than new client rates.
How clients with small budgets afford me for big projects:
The economics of regional magazines, special-interest titles, and launches typically do not support what national publications pay for creative. Yet these projects present some of the most interesting and satisfying opportunities in subscription marketing.
I make myself affordable for these desirable assignments by being paid for performance—earning a smaller annual royalty instead of a larger one-time fee for my work.
Each agreement is different, but there’s always an advance to start (think $2,500). Followed by a fixed annual payment for for continued use of the creative after the first year (think another $2,500). If this kind of arrangement is best for your budget, let’s talk.
Some clients prefer a fixed monthly project fee.
When clients know they want to use me, but are not exactly sure for which specific projects—or when—we establish a fixed retainer for a three-month trial.
The amount ranges from $3,000-$5,000 per month. That reserves time for what, on the whole, amounts to one large project or three smaller ones each month.
At the end of three-months, we mutually evaluate things. If both sides are happy, we continue for six months to a year more and include a 60-day cancellation option. Otherwise, we simply return to project-by-project quotes.
My open rate is $325/hour.
I bill in 15-minute increments and I am happy to quote specific projects in advance.
My onsite consulting rate is $2,400/day. Less if online.
An intensive circulation day conducted in your office with your staff and colleagues can yield creative subscription marketing solutions that transform your year.
In-person consultations are preceded by extensive planning and preparation to maximize the value for each participant.
My fee covers a full day onsite. Out-of-pocket expenses such as travel are additional.
What’s included in your project fees?
Almost everything. Projects generally include consultation and due diligence, initial creative concepts, two rounds of copy and design, followed by prepress and/or prep of online materials made ready for publication and delivery. Schedules always include numerous client reviews.
How long does a project take?
Allow two weeks for one-offs like ads, emails, and banners. Four weeks for assignments like direct mail packages and online promotions. Six weeks for large projects like launches and integrated cross-media campaigns.
My availability is limited by my work load. So while I am ordinarily able to accept a sudden project, I am always more effective when I have advance notice of upcoming assignments.
Who performs the actual work?
I am the principal writer, designer and creative director on every assignment. Because my value is measured by direct sales, I rarely farm work out. When I do, it’s with colleagues whose specific abilities are different and greater than my own—a small group of trusted associates with whom I have teamed several times over many years.
Are there any extra costs?
No, not usually. Fees include consultation, copy, design, prepress and supervision of any outside creative services—by and large everything needed to complete and deliver a production-ready project.
If deliverables such as original photography or custom coding are required, they are estimated in advance. Client authorization is obtained before purchases are made. And these specific items are billed at net cost without mark-up.
Who owns the creative product?
You do. Everything I create is a work for hire.
Have a question not answered here?
Please contact me and I will be quick to respond.
